Good agricultural practices can mitigate the risk of pollinator deaths during soybean flowering

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The reproductive phase of soybeans, called flowering (i.e., when the plants are in the flowering period), begins approximately 20 to 30 days after sowing. During this period, it is common for pollinating insects (bees, for example) to visit the crops to forage on the soybeans and collect nectar. It is essential that farmers pay attention to the conservation of these insects in the crop and apply good management practices throughout the cycle to mitigate the risk of pollinator deaths that can be caused by improper use of insecticides.

"The misuse of pesticides is a serious problem that can cause the death of pollinators and needs to be addressed. At BASF, we are committed to biodiversity, food safety and the safe use of our technologies. In this sense, we support farmers with constant training for the safe and correct use of products and we foster projects that promote more sustainable practices, ensuring the safety of pollinators and the sustainability of agriculture," says Marcelo Batistela, vice president of BASF's Agricultural Solutions division in Brazil.

Pollinators play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and sustainability worldwide, as well as contributing to productivity in different agricultural crops. A study led by scientists at Rutgers University-New Brunswick in the US analyzed agricultural production on six continents (including South America) and found that around two-thirds of farms are not producing the expected volume of grains due to the low presence or even absence of pollinators. The Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) shows that the presence of an adequate population of bees near crops increases, on average, soybean grain productivity by up to 13%.

In this context, during the harvest, good management, paying attention to the timing, choice and use of insecticides, is essential to preserve pollinating insects. Farmers need to be aware of the habits of pollinating insects and must strictly follow the instructions on the label for using these products, as well as follow pest management programs and application technology, in order to adequately control undesirable insects without adverse effects.

Tips for improving coexistence between soybeans and bees

There are a number of good practices that farmers and beekeepers should follow to strengthen the harmonious coexistence between pollinators and soybean production. As highlighted by Maurício do Carmo Fernandes, Stewardship and Sustainability Manager for BASF's Agricultural Solutions Division in Brazil, it is important to know how to recognize and differentiate pests, natural enemies and pollinators in the crop. In addition, avoiding the use of chemical insecticides during the period in which bees are foraging and observing the flowering of other species in the surroundings of the field is also essential, aiming to protect the bees.

“Farmers must be vigilant because there is a greater risk at this time of year: pollinators are more active at the same time as agricultural activities are taking place, which can lead to insect deaths if care is not taken when applying insecticides. Fortunately, there are many simple procedures that producers can follow to reduce their risks, such as the timing of insecticide application, which we recommend doing during the late afternoon and evening, and observing wind speed, temperature and relative humidity at that time. This set of details can provide a more harmonious coexistence between soybean production and pollinators, resulting in benefits for everyone and, of course, strengthening and conserving our biodiversity,” he concludes.

Embrapa makes the publication “Soybean pests in Brazil and their integrated management” available free of charge by clicking here.

BASF is committed to initiatives that promote biodiversity

BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division supports partnerships that foster sustainability. This is the case with the project “Agriculture for a nature-positive future,” a collaborative effort involving partners such as Fundación Solidaridad, GeoApis, Wheatley Young Partners, and TEH&CO. Each partner brings unique experiences and expertise to the table, working together to drive meaningful change. The goal of the initiative is to implement nature-positive projects that complement existing agricultural practices while providing broader environmental and community benefits. The first phase of the project began in January 2024 and already has the participation of 18 producers and 19 beekeepers in the municipalities of Machadinho and Áurea, in Rio Grande do Sul.

BASF has been working with Embrapa since 2022 to study the harmonious coexistence between soybean farming and beekeeping in different regions of Brazil. Based on the validation of the Good Agricultural and Beekeeping Practices protocol, the study proved that interaction and coexistence between the two activities is possible, with mutual benefits. A booklet with all the guidelines and results of the study will soon be made available to producers and beekeepers.

“With a set of simple practices and the attention of producers, it is possible to guarantee crop productivity, conserve pollinators and maintain balance in crops,” says the Stewardship and Sustainability Manager of BASF's Agricultural Solutions Division in Brazil, Maurício do Carmo Fernandes.

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